Leaders from the National Conservation Partnership met in connection with the NASCA annual meeting in Rogers, Ark.
NACD President Earl Garber provided an update on the USDA NRCS logo issue. He also delivered an extensive report on NACD activities. NACD CEO John Larson filled in for the federal partners and provided a Farm Bill update. NASCA President Carolyn Hefner and Executive Director Mike Brown presented a Conservation Delivery System of the Future report and opened a discussion on increasing technical assistance for conservation implementation.
The federal government shutdown prevented federal partner NRCS from attending, but the leaders had consulted with NRCS in advance of the shutdown. The meeting also addressed the impact of the shutdown on district operations across the country. NCDEA President Irene Moore outlined the feedback she had received on the three-page shutdown plan provided to conservation districts.
Leaders also participated on a panel presentation and discussion with the entire NASCA audience regarding the challenges ahead for conservation.
Pictured, from left to right: Mike Brown, Executive Director, National Association of State Conservation Agencies (NASCA); Carolyn Hefner, President (NASCA); John Larson, CEO (NACD); Earl Garber, President, (NACD); Dan Sebert, Executive Director, National Watershed Coalition (NWA); Irene Moore, President, National Conservation District Employees Association (NCDEA); and Rich Duesterhaus, Executive Director, (NCDEA).